Rachel Holbert

for Wallingford-Swarthmore School Board Director, Region 2

I am Rachel Holbert and I am running for School Board, Region 2. One reason I am running at this time is that I’ve always wanted to give back to the school district where our two sons had great experiences. I believe my background in evaluation and project management of numerous education, public health, and human services programs is excellent preparation for analyzing the issues brought before the School Board.

When my family moved here seven years ago with a rising 6th grader and a rising 9th grader, school district quality was paramount in our choice of community. Our sons benefitted greatly from living here by participating in extracurricular activities, taking a wide range of classes, and having challenging but supportive teachers. While our oldest was in high school, I served as President of the high school’s All Sports Booster Club and led the Panther Wrestling Booster Club as well. Keeping our school district strong for all its students and community is my primary goal.

I am also keenly aware that, due to the low number of businesses within school district boundaries, the tax burden on homeowners can feel overwhelming. Balancing school and student needs with affordability is a never-ending issue and I am prepared to listen to all perspectives and consider a wide range of solutions.

Currently, I am a program evaluator for Delaware’s Overdose Data to Action CDC-funded grant, which funds all of the State’s opioid crisis surveillance, response, and prevention activities. I have my B.A. in Economics from Miami University of Ohio, a Masters in Public Administration from Syracuse University, and am currently completing my Masters in Public Health from Temple University. Our older son is a Junior at Ithaca College, where he also plays football, and our younger son is about to graduate and will attend Temple. We are so grateful for everyone who helped to challenge and provide opportunities for them through the years, and I am prepared to take on the responsibilities that being a School Director entails.